SOLIHULL MP Lorely Burt has joined forces with her Liberal Democrat colleagues to raise concerns over the future of primary schools.

Her party claimed up to 2,500 English primary schools were at risk from Government policies which forced councils to close schools with surplus places.

Statistics showed 2,489 primary schools had 25 per cent or more spare places not taken up by pupils, Ms Burt said.

A total of 10 primary schools in Solihull had more than 25 per cent surplus places but the MP said she had been assured none were under threat.

"A recent Government directive sent to local authorities said councils would only get extra money for new primary schools if they had decisive plans to ensure no school had more than a quarter surplus places," said Ms Burt.

"At the same time as ministers are offering public reassurance about school closures, they are privately issuing instructions to local authorities to close schools and reduce places, backed by the threat of withholding money for new buildings."